Xbox One/Xbox 720 to Support Windows 8 Apps & Xbox 360 Headsets, Microsoft’s Mattrick to Go to Zynga
It seems that integration is really the name of the game for the Xbox One, but it goes deeper than just putting more than just entertainment and gaming into the console.
What Build 2013 has revealed more about the console is that it may integrate the Windows 8 engine with other devices and maximize its potential in that manner. VG 24/7 reports that the Xbox One has been revealed to have two engines, one for the gaming and another as the Windows 8 engine.
And now that developing games is the next step for the Xbox One as it nears its release date, Steve Guggenheimer, a Microsoft executive, is suggesting that those who want to develop for the Xbox One should also consider the power behind its Windows 8 engine.
"When I talk about that common core, you're seeing that common core in action, being able to target other devices overtime that run the Windows 8 engine," said Gugenheimer to VG 24/7. "If you want to know about how to get a head start about thinking about developing for Xbox One, the logical thing to do is go build Widows 8 applications."
Does this crossover mean better applications for the Xbox One? What will this mean to developers who may be looking at self-publishing but through the system that Microsoft has promised?
Current-gen headsets to work with next-gen console?
Many were annoyed that the Xbox One headset does not come as part of the set when you buy the Xbox One, but it seems that Microsoft has a solution for those who don't want to shell out $59 for a new headset.
According to IGN, the company may develop an adapter that can allow for cross-gen functionality for the headsets.
"Xbox plans to develop solutions in the near future to allow consumers to connect many brands of wired gaming headsets to the Wireless Controller for gaming and audio," said an Xbox representative to IGN.
The Microsoft rep also revealed that the company has redesigned the Xbox One controller for better speed and transfer between controller and console, and as such, it has also affected the port designed for headsets.
Of course, unless the adapter comes in the bundle or is offered at a lower price, it may not have as much difference.
From Microsoft to Zynga: Don Mattrick leaves Xbox One
President of the Interactive Entertainment Business branch of Microsoft, Don Mattrick, will officially be leaving the company and heading to Zynga.
This comes as a bit of a shock, considering that the person who is heading the Xbox One project will be leaving it in midair (technically) just months before seeing the fruit of the labor, so to speak.
"This is a great opportunity for Don, and I wish him success," said Steve Ballmer of Microsoft in a statement quoted by VentureBeat. "Don's directs [the people who work under him] will report to me and will continue to drive the day-to-day business as a team, particularly focused on shipping Xbox One this holiday."
There have been no specifications on the reason for leaving, or the concrete next steps that Microsoft will have to take now that the head of Xbox One has left.
Hopefully, this doesn't spell another policy reversal, now that a new person will be in charge of the direction of the Xbox One. However, judging from Ballmer's reaction to the events, particularly highlighting his gratitude to the direction that the Xbox One is currently taking, it seems that the Xbox One won't be seeing any other changes.
As for Mattrick, Joystiq reports that he may be facing a redesign--or at least a rebuilding--of Zynga, which has been having problems for a while now.